India is a huge country with diverse soil and climatic conditions. Precisely, why we find different areas suitable for growing different trees.
In spite of being a country with immense resources, vested interests have endangered our rich rain forests. Today, world organisations have placed India on the last number of environmental index. As citizens, it is our duty to reverse this trend and take back the nation to its old glorious days.
Trees are not just a means of protecting the environment and halting the adverse effects of climate change, they can be a good source of income too. A variety of fruit bearing trees are adaptable to different Indian soils and can be grown in orchards or even our backyards.
A tree is not just a piece of green foliage, it is an ecosystem on its own. It stops soil erosion, maintains the fertility of the soil, helps rainfall, gives shade and is a home to a number of bird and insect species. With a little care and attention, it is easy to grow fruit bearing trees that our soil and climatic condition supports. Here is a list of easy to grow, fruit trees that can be grown in a short span of time. You can use the fruits and nuts for sale and make a lucrative business from this green venture.
Banana:
It is a perennial and tropical plant and one of the fastest growing plants in India. Bananas can be consumed by any age group and are easily digestible. They are also one of the most affordable fruits, as common people can eat them on a daily basis without disturbing their monthly budget.
With states of Maharashtra, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat growing banana trees in abundance, India ranks as the world’s biggest producer of bananas.
A banana tree takes around 2 years to grow and start yielding fruit. Bananas are consumed in both raw as well as ripe forms.
Guava:
India’s tropical and sub-tropical climate is well suited to grow guava trees. Guava is the fourth largest important fruit after mangoes, bananas and citrus fruits like oranges and sweet limes.
Guava trees can grow upto a height of 12 feet and 15 feet wide. Guavas are used in smoothies, juices, desserts or even eaten ripe. It’s sweet taste and fresh aroma makes it everyone’s favourite fruit.
Papaya:
One of the fastest growing trees, a papaya tree can grow upto 15 feet and bears fruit all year round. Fleshy orange fruits are known for a number of health benefits and are rich in carotenoids, vitamin C and vitamin A.
Orissa, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Gujarat are the states where papaya is commercially grown. A papaya tree needs a lot of sunlight, water and fertile soil to grow. The tree starts bearing fruits early, within 6 – 12 months and are perennially fruit bearing.
Coconut:
India’s big coastline is conducive to coconut cultivation. These palms can grow from 20 – 40 feet. Tender coconuts are good for coconut water, especially for patients on liquid diets. Dry coconuts yield copra which is used in a number of sweets and confectionery and also used for extracting coconut oil.
Citrus fruits:
Indian climate is well suited for growing a number of varieties of citrus fruits like lime, sweet lime and oranges. These trees are self pollinating and you can get the flowers pollinated from just one tree. Citrus fruits are immensely popular in Indian orchards and you can get the trees to bear fruits in 2 – 3 years.
Apple:
As apple a day, keeps doctors away, goes a popular adage. It’s true because of the immense health benefits of apples. Apples are not just eaten ripe, but also find their usage in juices, vinegars and sweets.
These fruit bearing trees are of a fast growing variety. An apple tree will start bearing fruits within 2 years. Cold climate of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and some places in Uttar Pradesh are well suited for growing apple trees.
